Welcome

Written by: Paul Sturm, Co-chair, Social Action Clearinghouse

Welcome to the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore's Social Action Clearinghouse brand new Social Action blog. Whew! How about calling it SoAct for short? Whether you're a First Unitarian member, friend of our church or someone who shares our passion about the kind of world in which we all live, you are welcome here and encouraged to fully participate in the conversation. We're especially pleased to introduce the blog in conjunction with the upgrade to the Social Action Clearinghouse (SAC) part of First Unitarian's website. So please explore all parts of our site and provide any feedback or suggestions you may have.


We have a rich legacy to build upon. For nearly two hundred years, First Unitarian members have been actively engaged in just about every major issue that has advanced human rights and social justice -- including the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, peace, the humane treatment of immigrants, economic justice, marriage equality, universal health care and ending torture. I believe the UU Seven Principles -- especially those which speak to the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence -- call each of us to stand for something greater than our own self-interest. Moreover...I believe the words of First Unitarian's mission statement challenge us individually, as well as collectively, to be that "beacon of hope and social justice" in Baltimore and the world.


I'm especially proud of the SAC's increased activity and visibility since I joined First Unitarian after coming to Baltimore in 2007. More often than not, the SAC table is buzzing with activity during coffee hour following each Sunday service. This past Sunday, for example, we were collecting signatures on a petition to members of Congress and President Obama to preserve women's reproductive rights (see our Public Policy page for more information), selling the Better World Shopping Guide as part of our new commitment to environmental justice and sustainability, hosting the executive director of a recent Change for Change recipient organization working with homeless women (see our Community Connections page for more information), circulating a sign-up sheet for several social action programs in Baltimore involving First Unitarian members, and distributing material about our current Change for Change recipient. The SAC has recently created two new Action Groups to work in the areas of Prison Outreach and Environmental Justice. And, as many of you experienced, the SAC initiated and coordinated the first Baltimore Social Action Awards Dinner & Celebration, honoring five extraordinary beacons of hope in Baltimore and the world, on October 11 in Enoch Pratt Hall.


So let the conversation begin. What's on your mind? What issues and needs are most important to you and your family? How can our community of First Unitarian members and friends make the greatest contribution to Baltimore and the surrounding region? How can we leave a legacy so that our children and grandchildren inherit a just society and sustainable world?


Most importantly, let's be sure to remember the immortal words of Margaret Mead and "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world...indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."


SoAct!